Kannada actress Vaishali Kasaravalli, who had won the National Award for costumes in the movie Thai Saheba, died at Manipal hospital at 5.00 pm on Monday. The TV serial director was suffering from chronic diabetic. The 59-year-old actress is survived by the National Award winner husband Girish Kasaravalli, son Apporva and daughter Ananya Kasaravall.

Vaishali Kasaravalli had been ailing from serious problems for the past few years. Her health condition was deterring from the last six months and was attending the hospital every now then. According to the doctors, she suffered liver damage and kidney failure due to diabetic. Recently, she was admitted to the Manipal Hospital Jayanagar in Bangalore and was undergoing dialysis for renal malfunctioning.

The Kannada actress was directing Kannada TV serial 'Muttina Torana' and due to her ill-health, her son Apoorva had taken her responsibility of directing the serial. Along with Ananya, Girish Kasaravalli, who has recently won National award for his movie Kanasemba Kudereyaneri, was attending to her medical care for the past few months.

However, Vaishali started her career as a theatre artiste in 'Gubbi Drama Company'. After proving her acting skills in theatre industry, she debuted in Kannada films with the movie Yava Janmada Maitri. She acted in nearly 100 films. Some of her well-known movies are Yarigu Helbedi, Kittu Puttu, Angaialli Apsare, Hombisilu, Thabarana Kathe, Anukolakkoba Ganda, Asegoba Meesegobba, Shanker Guru, Sparsha, Ganeshana Madhuve, No 73 Shanthinivasa and Gowri Ganesha.

Later, the actress took to directing TV serials and her serials like 'Muthina Thorana', 'Moodala Mane' and 'Mauna Raga' have become very popular. She had even translated several Hindi and Marathi plays to Kannada. She wanted to direct a Kannada movie, but her dream has remained unfulfilled. Her sudden demise has created a void in the Kannada film industry.

We, at Oneindia, express our deepest condolence to her family and fans. May her soul rest in peace! May god give strength to her family to bear her loss!